Thursday, February 19, 2009

Player Interview: Mike Butler

Mike Butler is a versatile, strong interior OL (he can play RG, LG, and C) that is not getting the kind of attention that a guy with his talent should. He's a tough, smart player and an extremely hard worker. He will work out at Hofstra's Pro Day.

Career Highlights:

JuCo standout ('05-'06)

All MAAC (2007)

No sacks allowed (2008)

Held John Faletoese to 0 tackles/0 sacks (2008)

Iona's Kevin Fales Most Valuable Lineman (2008)

East Coast Bowl Nominee (2008)

"I pride myself on trying to win every rep of every play of every game"

MB: I have been training at All Star Sports Training down in Paisley Florida. There are about 20 guys here training for the combine and individual pro days. In addition there are also some guys here training that have been playing in the NFL and are currently in the process of hooking on with different teams.

JP: Who is the best DL you've ever faced?

MB: The best Defensive Lineman I have ever faced would have to be John Faletoese from Cal-Davis. He had great speed off the ball and was a very technically sound player.

JP: What NFL player would you compare yourself to?

MB: I would compare myself to Chris Snee from the Giants. I think we are similar in size and the way we play. Hes a great player who always does whatever he has to, to get the job done.

JP: What do you feel are your strengths as a player?

MB: In my opinion my strengths as a player are that I am a strong, aggressive player who is always fighting to win. I pride myself on trying to win every rep of every play of every game. I feel I am a hard nosed player who will do whatever it takes to get the job done and my motor is always running.

JP: What areas in your game do you think you could improve?

MB: Every football player always has room to improve no matter what level they are playing. I feel that an area I could use improvement is, depending more on my technique as a lineman rather then my strength.

JP: Who are some of your teammates that you think have a chance to play at the next level?

MB: A player that i think has a chance of playing professional ball is Wide receiver Tim Mastrino. I think he was one of, if not the best wide receiver in division 1-AA (FCS) football. You can always depend on him to catch the ball and make a play. If I am blocking and I see the pass is thrown to Tim I know I need to get ready to go down field and make a block.

JP: What's your favorite NFL team?

MB: My favorite team in the NFL is the New York Giants. Growing up in my house my father raised us Giant fans.

JP: What do you like to do in your free time?

MB: In my spare time off I really just like spending time with my family and friends.

JP: Do you have any plans after football?

MB: I'm not quite sure what I plan on doing after football yet, I love the game so much and am not trying to look past playing it yet. However I would love to open up some kind of training facility of my own and be some kind of strength coach or trainer, because that is something I have a great interest in.

JP: What are some goals you have set for yourself in the near future?

MB: I am taking this all one step at a time. My first goal I have to conquer is to kill my pro day. After that the pieces will fall in place. I am willing to do whatever it takes to play for an NFL team.

JP: Why should a team take you on April 25th/26th?

MB: Because I am a coachable offensive lineman who will do whatever I have to. I will never half ass anything and will bring my best effort day in and day out.